Savannah: Bonaventure Cemetery Golf Cart Guided Tour

Imagine exploring one of Savannah’s most iconic sites without the exhausting walk or feeling overwhelmed by its vast size. That’s exactly what this Bonaventure Cemetery golf cart tour offers. It’s a relaxed, informative way to see the cemetery’s most beautiful monuments and hear stories about the people buried here—all in just about an hour.

What really draws us to this experience are the knowledgeable guides who bring the cemetery’s history to life with engaging stories, and the easy pace in a comfortable golf cart that keeps things stress-free. Plus, the small group size means you get personalized attention, making it feel more like a chat with an old friend than just a tour.

One thing to keep in mind is the tour’s duration—about an hour—which means it’s a quick overview rather than an in-depth exploration. If you’re a history buff or want a leisurely way to soak in the ambiance, this could be perfect. It’s especially suited for visitors who prefer a relaxed, guided experience over wandering on their own or walking extensively through the sprawling grounds.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation in a golf cart makes covering the cemetery easier.
• Expert guides offer engaging, well-informed stories about notable residents and the history.
• The small group setting ensures personalized attention and the opportunity to ask questions.
• The tour covers the highlights, including graves of famous people like Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken.
• It’s an affordable experience at $38 per person, offering good value for a quick, insightful visit.
• Suitable for all ages, especially those who prefer a more relaxed way to explore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Bonaventure Cemetery Tour

Exploring Bonaventure Cemetery on your own can be overwhelming due to its size and the sheer number of monuments. This golf cart tour simplifies that, letting you sit back and enjoy the sights while your guide shares the stories behind the graves. We love how it balances comfort with education, making it accessible whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious about Savannah’s storied past.

One of the best things about this tour is how it makes history come alive. You’ll learn about notable residents like Johnny Mercer, the famous songwriter, and Conrad Aiken, a celebrated poet, alongside lesser-known figures who each have their own story. The guides are praised for their deep knowledge and engaging storytelling, often sprinkled with humor to keep things lively.

A potential downside is that the tour lasts only about an hour, which might feel brief if you’re especially interested in the cemetery. But considering the price and the small-group setting, it’s a solid introduction rather than an exhaustive exploration. If you prefer a leisurely stroll or want to see every corner of the cemetery, you might want to add extra time on your own.

This experience works best for those who enjoy guided storytelling, prefer to avoid long walks in hot weather, and want to maximize their time with a structured, insightful look at Savannah’s famous cemetery. It’s a great choice for travelers looking for an easy, engaging way to learn about local history.

What to Expect on Your Tour

When you arrive, you’ll meet your guide at a designated spot in Bonaventure Cemetery, with clear instructions provided beforehand. The meeting point is at the visitor parking lot next to the river, accessible by entering the cemetery and taking Mullryne Way, a route recommended for its scenic surroundings.

Once settled in the golf cart, your guide will take you through the expansive grounds, highlighting the most ornate and interesting graves. Expect to learn about the symbolism behind some tombstones, the stories of notable residents, and interesting facts related to Savannah’s history.

The duration is one hour, so you’ll cover a good portion of the cemetery without feeling rushed. Many reviewers mention how the guides are attentive, often reaching out beforehand to ensure smooth arrival and pickup, which adds to the overall positive experience.

During the ride, you’ll enjoy the lush greenery, beautiful flowers, and intricate headstones—a feast for the senses and a perfect setting for storytelling. Expect to see graves of well-known figures like Johnny Mercer, the legendary songwriter, and Conrad Aiken, the poet, among others.

The Highlights of the Tour

Learning about the cemetery’s history is one of the main draws. Guides often share fascinating stories about the history of Bonaventure, its architecture, and the symbolism in its monuments. They also point out the most notable residents, giving context about their lives and why they’re buried here.

The graves of Johnny Mercer and Conrad Aiken are often highlighted, and you’ll learn interesting tidbits that humanize these figures beyond their fame. For example, stories about Mercer’s songwriting or Aiken’s poetry add depth to the visit.

The aesthetics of the cemetery—its statues, trees, flowering plants, and historic headstones—are a feast for the eyes. Many guests comment on how the peaceful, shaded grounds make for a relaxing ride, even if they’re visiting in the heat.

The small group size (limited to 10 participants) creates a more intimate environment, allowing for questions and conversations. You’ll find the guides eager to share their knowledge and customize parts of the experience based on your interests.

The Real Value of This Tour

At $38 per person, this tour offers excellent value. For an hour of guided storytelling, transportation, and access to the highlights of a sprawling cemetery, it’s a smart choice. Many reviews rave about the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides—which makes the experience worth every penny.

Guests often mention how the tour helped them appreciate the cemetery’s art and symbolism. The storytelling transforms a walk through graves into a vivid history lesson, making it enjoyable even for those who aren’t typically fans of cemeteries.

That said, it’s worth noting that this is a quick overview. If you’re a history buff or truly want to explore every corner, you might find yourself wanting more time. But for most visitors, this well-paced, entertaining tour hits the right notes.

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How the Tour Fits Into Your Savannah Visit

This tour pairs well with other Savannah attractions, especially if you’re interested in the city’s haunted, artistic, or historic side. It’s an excellent way to break up a busy day of sightseeing, offering a peaceful, reflective experience with stories that stick with you.

Because of the small group setting, it’s perfect for travelers who enjoy more personal interactions. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics** mean you can relax and focus on soaking in the scenery and stories without stress.

If you’re traveling with family, this tour can be quite engaging for older kids and teens who enjoy stories and history, especially given the interesting graves and symbolism. However, it’s not specifically tailored for very young children or those with mobility issues, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but is stroller friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Bonaventure Cemetery golf cart tour is a solid, enjoyable way to experience one of Savannah’s most beautiful and meaningful sites. It’s especially suited for visitors who want a relaxed, informative introduction rather than a rigorous walk or self-guided exploration.

The combination of expert guides, a comfortable mode of transportation, and focusing on the highlights makes this a memorable and worthwhile outing. Whether you’re a history lover, a photography enthusiast, or simply curious about Savannah’s past, you’ll find plenty to love here.

For those seeking a cost-effective, engaging, and stress-free way to see Bonaventure, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s a small investment for a big dose of local history, beautiful scenery, and charming storytelling.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically designed for kids, older children and teenagers who enjoy stories and history tend to find this tour engaging. Keep in mind it’s about an hour long and involves being in a golf cart with limited walking.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour, giving a quick but rundown of the cemetery’s highlights.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
It’s not wheelchair accessible, but it is stroller friendly. However, those with mobility concerns should check further details before booking.

What is included in the tour price?
The Bonaventure Golf Cart Tour itself is included. No additional fees are mentioned, making it straightforward pricing.

Where do I meet the guide?
You’ll meet the guide at the visitor parking lot next to the river, accessible by entering the cemetery and taking Mullryne Way. Specific directions are sent before the tour.

Are there any restrictions I should know about?
Smoking is not allowed during the tour. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or those requiring wheelchair access.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, especially since the tour is limited to 10 participants. You can reserve now and pay later, giving some flexibility in planning.

If you’re looking for a way to get the most out of Savannah’s Bonaventure Cemetery without too much effort, this golf cart tour offers a charming, informative, and practical option. It’s a great addition to your Savannah itinerary, especially if you value stories, scenery, and a relaxed pace.

You can check availability for your dates here: